Railway wagons for transporting semi-trailers and the like

Abstract

A railway freight car for semi-trailers and the like, having a first bogie (3), a second bogie (4) and a load-bearing section (5) between the first bogie (3) and the second bogie (4). An elongated channel (17) is configured to receive ducts for air, hydraulic and / or electronic equipment extending between the two bogies (3, 4). When the load-bearing section (5) is rotated out to a loading / unloading position, the channel (17) is mechanically lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a railway wagon for transporting semi-trailers and the like. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, railway wagons are used to receive and carry semi-trailers. By placing a semi-trailer normally used for road transport on a railway wagon, a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport can be achieved compared to road transport. Railways are usually used for long-distance transport. An example of a railway wagon for transporting a semi-trailer is given in WO2010 / 120236A1.

[0003] In order to load and unload the semi-trailer in such a railway wagon system, the loaded part of the railway wagon is transferred out of and back to the railway wagon. In order to assist the rotation of the loaded part, a beam that can be moved out of the railway wagon is usually used. At the outer end of the beam, a ground support is provided, which usually has the shape of a telescopic support member. The support is moved by a vertically operated jack, which is configured to lower the support until it rests on the ground so as to support the beam when the loaded part is transferred out of or back to the railway wagon. Even though such vertically operated jacks work well in many cases, there is a risk of breakage. This may occur when the structure is subjected to movement, which may occur when the load from the ground support is not vertical; for example, if the support is placed on uneven ground.

[0004] Known railway wagons of the above type usually have many cables and pipes extending along their platforms. During the movement of the load-bearing parts, there is a risk that these cables and pipes become stuck or damaged.

[0005] From the foregoing it can be appreciated that there is room for improvement in railway freight car systems. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to solve or at least alleviate the problems associated with prior art arrangements. This object has now been achieved by means of what is set out in the accompanying independent claim 1; preferred embodiments are defined in the associated dependent claims.

[0007] In one aspect, a railway wagon is provided, which is configured to carry a semi-trailer or the like. The railway wagon includes a first bogie, a second bogie, and a load-bearing portion located between the first bogie and the second bogie. The load-bearing portion is movable between a first position and a second position, in which the load-bearing portion extends between the two bogies and in which the load-bearing portion is rotated out of the railway wagon for loading and unloading the semi-trailer. The railway wagon also includes a channel for a pipeline extending between the first bogie and the second bogie. The channel is configured to be automatically lowered mechanically when the load-bearing portion is rotated out to the second position. This railway wagon structure is advantageous because different types of pipelines - such as air supply pipes, hydraulic oil supply pipes, and power supply cables - can be safely held together in the channel, which is also called a media channel. During rail transportation and during loading and unloading of the semi-trailer, when the load-bearing portion is rotated out and back relative to the railway wagon, the pipeline is received in the media channel and protected therein.

[0008] Preferably, the channel is arranged below the carrying part, which means that displacement movements of the carrying part can be performed in a safe manner.

[0009] In one embodiment, one end of the channel is movably received on a rod having an inclined portion. Preferably, the channel has a roller received on the rod. These features contribute to the safe use of the media channel.

[0010] In another aspect, there is provided a railway wagon beam assembly arranged to be able to be moved out of and back into the railway wagon. The beam assembly may comprise an actuator, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, arranged to lower and raise legs placed at or towards the outer ends of the beam assembly. Preferably, the legs have feet at their free ends. The actuator is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly. Due to this beam construction, loads that are not completely vertical can be accommodated. Furthermore, the risk of hydraulic cylinder breakage is reduced.

[0011] The improved beam assembly is adapted to be mounted on a railway wagon configured to carry a semitrailer and the like and having a first bogie, a second bogie and a load-bearing section located between the first bogie and the second bogie. When the semitrailer is to be loaded onto the railway wagon, the beam assembly is moved out of the wagon to an active position in which the beam assembly guides the front of the load-bearing section to be rotated out to its loading position. The beam assembly is moved back to the wagon and the semitrailer is driven to the lowered inclined load-bearing section which is raised after loading. The beam assembly is then moved out again and guides the front of the raised load-bearing section (with the semitrailer thereon) back to the wagon position. Finally, the beam assembly is moved back to the wagon which is now ready for rail transport.

[0012] The invention also relates to a railway freight car of the above-mentioned type, provided with an improved beam assembly according to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0013] The beam assembly may be provided with a pivot and a link for achieving a safe ground support of the beam in its active position removed from the truck. The system of pivots and links is provided at the free end of the beam assembly, the system of pivots and links being connected and configured to move the legs of the beam.

[0014] A railway freight car may have a slide of a kingpin locking system arranged to be movable by two cylinders. The two cylinders are connected to a reservoir via a spring loaded valve to act as a damper.

[0015] Further objects and advantages of the invention and related embodiments will appear from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a railway freight car in position for receiving a semi-trailer;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a railway wagon is shown with a semi-trailer loaded on the railway wagon;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a railway freight car according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 an end view of the railway wagon shown with the beam assembly removed from the railway wagon;

[0021] Figure 5 The beam assembly is shown alone in its idle position.

[0022] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A beam assembly in a ground-supported position.

[0023] Figure 7 Shown in a slightly tilted view Figure 6 beam components.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a railway freight car, showing other components of the railway freight car;

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of the circled part at A;

[0026] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a railway freight car, showing other components of the railway freight car;

[0027] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A magnified view of the part circled at B in the figure;

[0028] Fig.12 yes Figure 10-11 a perspective view of a portion of the railway wagon shown;

[0029] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a slightly modified beam assembly;

[0030] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Partial cross-section of a beam assembly:

[0031] Fig.15 is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view along line XV-XV in FIG.

[0032] Figure 16-17 yes Fig.13 a perspective view of the support legs of the beam assembly shown; and

[0033] Figure 18-19 yes Figure 16-17 A perspective view of the foot of a supporting leg. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a railway wagon 1 is shown which is suitable for receiving a semi-trailer 2. The railway wagon 1 comprises a first bogie 3 and a second bogie 4, which are located at opposite ends of a load-bearing portion 5. Figure 1 As shown, the load-bearing section 5 can be swiveled outwards and lowered so that the semitrailer 2 can be driven onto the section 5. The load-bearing section 5 is pivotally connected to the second bogie 4 by a pivot arrangement (not shown) which enables the section 5 to be swiveled or "swung" into position. Figure 1 When the semitrailer 2 is driven onto the load-bearing part 5, the part 5 is lifted and rotated back together with the semitrailer 2 carried thereon. Figure 2 Position shown.

[0035] In order to swivel the load-bearing section 5 back and out, the beam 6 is moved out from the first bogie 3 of the railway wagon 1. The beam 6 is supported at the outer ends by telescopic legs 7 in the form of hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders are placed and work in a vertical direction. After the load-bearing section 5 is swung out, the beam 6 is moved back to the first bogie 3 in order to allow the semitrailer 2 to be brought onto the load-bearing section 5. The beam 6 is then moved back again to swivel the load-bearing section 5 back into alignment with the first and second bogies 3, 4. In the swung-out position of the load-bearing section 5, the load-bearing section is lowered to receive the semitrailer 2 and then raised again when the load-bearing section is swung back. The railway wagon 1 is provided with means (not shown) for lowering and raising the front part 1a of the load-bearing section 5.

[0036] In the following, Figure 2 The position shown in is also called the first or transport position, while Figure 1 The position shown in is referred to as the second position for loading or unloading the semi-trailer 2 or the like. Figure 1 In the second position, the load-bearing part 5 is used as a ramp for the semitrailer 2, and the semitrailer 2 is driven onto the load-bearing part 5 for transportation by the railway wagon 1, or is driven off the load-bearing part 5 when arriving at the destination.

[0037] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, a railway wagon 1' is shown, which has a Figure 1-Figure 2 The invention relates to a railway wagon 1 of the present invention, which has the same basic structure as the railway wagon 1 of the present invention, but it is provided with a modified beam assembly 8, which is arranged to be moved out of and into the first bogie 3 when the load-bearing part 5 is to be turned out or turned back. The modified beam assembly 8 is mounted on the railway wagon 1 'and it comprises an actuator, preferably a hydraulic cylinder 9, which extends substantially parallel to the axis of the beam. By this arrangement of the hydraulic cylinder 9, the hydraulic cylinder is parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly 8.

[0038] refer to Figure 5-Figure 7 , showing that the outer end of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 9 is connected to the first end of the leg 10. The support foot 11 is provided at the second end of the leg 10. The hydraulic cylinder 9 is connected to the leg 10 via a first pivot 12, and the support foot 11 is connected to the leg 10 via a second pivot 13. A connecting rod 14 is provided between the beam body and the leg 10. As shown in the figure, the connecting rod 14 is connected to the outer end of the beam assembly 8 via a third pivot 15, and is connected to the leg 10 via a fourth pivot 16. The connecting rod 14 is connected to the leg 10 at a position between the first end and the second end of the leg 10.

[0039] The ends of the legs 10 at the hydraulic cylinders 9 rest on sliding members 8A which are connected to rails 8B mounted on the beam assembly 8. The sliding members 8A are free to move along the rails 8B and thus along the beam assembly 8. However, the sliding members 8A are not free to move in the vertical direction, so the hydraulic cylinders 9 remain parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly 8.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the legs 10 are formed from two parallel plates. However, a person skilled in the art realizes that the legs 10 may have a different design.

[0041] When the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 9 is fully retracted, the leg 10 has a horizontal position at the beam assembly 8, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In this idle position, the beam assembly 8 represents a compact unit without any parts protruding downwards from the beam body. This is an advantage when the beam assembly 8 is moved between an idle position at the truck 1' and an active position transverse to the truck 1'.

[0042] To lower the leg 10 in the active position of the beam assembly 8, the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 9 is pushed out. Since the connecting rod 14 is provided between the beam body and the leg 10, the leg will be rotated downwards. The leg 10 will be lowered until the foot 11 touches the ground G, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown (see also Figure 3-Figure 4 Since the foot 11 is connected to the leg 10 via the second pivot 13, the foot 11 can also be safely placed on a sloping ground.

[0043] The legs 10 and the links 14 form a scissor linkage which can take up forces in several directions. Since the hydraulic cylinder 9 is placed horizontally at the beam assembly 8, it has a well-defined position and working area and is not affected by any tilting forces, whatever the direction of the forces from the ground G acting on the legs 11.

[0044] Briefly described, the railway wagon 1' provided with the improved beam assembly 8 operates in the following manner. When the semitrailer 2 is to be loaded onto the railway wagon 1', the beam assembly 8 is moved out from the wagon 1' to an active position, in which position the beam assembly guides the front portion 1a of the load-bearing portion 5 to rotate out to its loading position. The beam assembly 8 is moved back to the wagon 1' and the semitrailer 2 is driven onto the lowered inclined load-bearing portion 5, which is raised after loading. The beam assembly 8 is then moved out again to a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wagon 1' and guides the front portion 1a of the raised load-bearing portion 5 (with the semitrailer thereon) back to the wagon position. Finally, the beam assembly 8 is moved back to the wagon 1' ready for rail transport. The railway wagon 1' is provided with a device (not shown) for lowering and raising the front portion 1a of the load-bearing portion 5.

[0045] Figure 8-Figure 9 The railway wagon 1' comprises pipes for hydraulic, air and electronic equipment (not shown) extending from the first bogie 3 at the opposite end of the railway wagon 1' to the second bogie 4. An elongated channel 17 is provided for these pipes. Thus, the pipes are safely held together in the channel 17. Figure 8As shown, the passage 17 extends between the first bogie 3 and the second bogie 4. One end of the passage 17 is pivotally connected to the second bogie 4 by a pivot device (not shown). When the load-bearing part 5 is turned out of the truck 1', the passage 17 must be lowered when the load-bearing part 5 is lowered in order to load and unload the semitrailer 2.

[0046] like Fig. 9 As shown, the channel 17 - also called the medium channel for receiving the pipe - is supported on a rod 18 at the second bogie 4. The channel 17 has rollers 17A adapted to follow the rod 18. In addition, the rod 18 has an inclined portion 19 which is at the highest point of the position when the load-bearing part 5 is turned back onto the railway wagon 1'. When the load-bearing part 5 is turned out from the railway wagon 1', the rollers 17A of the channel 17 will move downwards along the inclined track portion 19, thereby lowering the channel 17. Thus, the medium channel 17 is lowered mechanically, eliminating the need for any hydraulic cylinder or similar device for lowering, and the automatic lowering of the channel 17 makes the movement more certain.

[0047] Figure 10-12 The railway wagon 1' comprises a system for locking the king pin of the semitrailer 2 when the semitrailer 2 is in position on the railway wagon 1'. The system comprises a slide 20 which can be moved to fix the king pin (not shown). The slide 20 is moved forward and backward in the longitudinal direction along the central axis of the wagon by two hydraulic cylinders 20A. When the semitrailer 2 is loaded on the railway wagon 1' and the train is moving, the hydraulic cylinders 20A act as dampers to prevent the railway wagon 1' from encountering any bumps, for example if the railway wagons drive towards each other.

[0048] This damping effect is achieved by providing a reservoir (not shown) for the oil of the hydraulic cylinder 21 and providing a spring loaded valve (not shown) which will allow the oil to pass from the hydraulic cylinder 21 to the reservoir at a certain predetermined pressure. When the hydraulic cylinder 21 has moved a certain distance, for example 50 mm, the reservoir will be full and the hydraulic cylinder 21 will not move further. Before reaching the end position, there is already a certain degree of damping.

[0049] A slightly modified version of beam assembly 8 is shown in Figure 13-Figure 19 As shown in Figure 3-Figure 7 The same reference numerals are also Figure 13-Figure 19 In order to obtain a suitable pressure or load on the foot 11 of the beam assembly leg 10, a force or pressure sensing device is arranged in connection with the foot 11. The sensing device includes an actuating member 22, 23, the actuating member having an upper portion 22 engaged with the pivot 13 of the foot 11 and a lower portion 23 protruding downward from the upper portion 22. Fig.15As best shown, a plurality of annular cup springs 25 surround the lower portion 22 of the actuating members 22, 23. The cup springs 25 may be of the so-called Belleville washers type. The downwardly projecting portion 23 is located just above the opening 24 in the base plate of the foot 11. Figure 17-Figure 19 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor 26 is arranged in connection with the actuating members 22 , 23 of the foot 11 .

[0050] When the leg 10 of the beam assembly 8 is lowered to support the ground G, the pivot 13 presses against the upper part 22 of the actuating member 22, 23, which means that the downward projection 23 is inserted into the opening 24 against the action of the cup spring 25. This movement is detected by the sensor 26, which is configured to send a signal to the control system (not shown) to ensure that the correct pressure or load is applied to the support foot 11, and thus to the leg 10 and the entire beam assembly 8. During the descent of the support foot 11 towards the ground G, the sensing device 22-26 senses when the support foot 11 comes into contact with the ground G and can send a signal to the actuating hydraulic cylinder 9, which controls the movement of the support foot 11 through the assembly of the connecting rod, the leg and the pivot 10-16. It is thereby achieved that the support foot 11 rests smoothly and safely on the ground G, thereby achieving safe operation of the beam assembly 8.

[0051] Certain aspects and variations of the invention are set forth in the following clauses numbered I-XV.

[0052] I. A beam assembly for a railway wagon, the beam assembly being configured to carry a semi-trailer and the like, the railway wagon comprising a first bogie (3), a second bogie (4) and a load-bearing portion (5) located between the first bogie (3) and the second bogie (4), and the beam assembly (8) being configured to be movable out of and back into the railway wagon. The beam assembly is characterized in that the beam assembly (8) comprises an actuator (9) configured to lower and raise a leg (10) arranged at an outer end of the beam assembly (8), wherein the actuator (9) is arranged substantially parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly (8).

[0053] II. Beam assembly according to clause 1, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder (9).

[0054] III. Beam assembly according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the leg (10) has a foot (11) at its free end.

[0055] IV. A beam assembly according to any of clauses I-III, wherein the actuator (9) is connected to the leg (10) at a first pivot (12) at a first end of the leg (10).

[0056] V. A beam assembly according to clause IV, wherein the first end of the leg (10) is placed on a sliding member (8A) which is movable along a track (8B) mounted substantially parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly (8).

[0057] VI. A beam assembly according to clause IV or V, wherein the foot (11) is connected to the leg (10) at a second pivot (13) at the second end of the leg (10).

[0058] VII. A beam assembly according to any one of clauses I to VI, wherein a connecting rod (14) is connected between the outer end of the beam assembly (8) and the leg (10), and wherein the connecting rod (14) is connected to the leg (10) at a point at a certain distance from the first end and the second end of the leg (10).

[0059] VIII. A beam assembly according to clause VII, wherein the link (14) is connected to the beam (8) at a third pivot (15) and to the leg (10) at a fourth pivot (16).

[0060] IX. A railway freight car comprising a first bogie (3), a second bogie (4) and a load-bearing portion (5) located between the first bogie (3) and the second bogie (4). The railway freight car is characterized in that it has a beam assembly (8) as described in any one of clauses I to XIII.

[0061] X. A railway freight car according to clause IX, further comprising a passage (17) for a conduit extending between the first bogie (3) and the second bogie (4).

[0062] XI. A railway freight car according to clause X, wherein the channel (17) is configured to be automatically lowered mechanically when the load-bearing part (5) is swung out.

[0063] XII. A railway freight car according to clause X, wherein one end of the channel (17) is movably received on a rod (18) having an inclined portion (19).

[0064] XIII. A railway freight car according to clause XII, wherein the rollers (17A) of the channel (17) are received on rods (18).

[0065] XIV. Railway wagon according to any of clauses IX-XIII, wherein the slide (20) of the kingpin locking system is arranged to be movable by means of two hydraulic cylinders (20A).

[0066] XV. A railway freight car according to clause XIV, wherein the two hydraulic cylinders (20A) are connected to an oil reservoir via spring-loaded valves to act as dampers.

[0067] It should be pointed out that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein and that modifications are possible within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0068] For example, the improved railway freight cars can be used not only for the transportation of semi-trailers, but also for the transportation of tractors, transporters and the like.

[0069] Furthermore, the movement of the beam assembly out of the truck body to its active position can be performed in different ways.

[0070] One option is to mount the beam assembly so that it can rotate or pivot about a vertical pivot axis provided on the truck.

[0071] Another option is to arrange the beam assembly to be slidable (the beam slides out to its active position) in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the actuator of the beam assembly may be of a different design. As an alternative to the hydraulic cylinders described above, the actuator may also be pneumatically or electromechanically operated.

Claims

1. A railway wagon, the railway wagon being configured to carry a semi-trailer (2), the railway wagon comprising a first bogie (3), a second bogie (4) and a load-bearing portion (5); the load-bearing portion (5) being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the load-bearing portion (5) extends between the bogies (3, 4), and in the second position the load-bearing portion (5) is rotated out of the railway wagon for loading and unloading the semi-trailer (2); wherein: The railway wagon further comprises a channel (17) for a conduit extending between the first bogie (3) and the second bogie (4); the channel (17) is configured to be automatically lowered mechanically when the load-bearing part (5) is rotated out to the second position.

2. The railway freight car according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the channel (17) is movably received on a rod (18) having an inclined portion (19).

3. The railway freight car according to claim 2, wherein: The roller (17A) of the channel (17) is received on the rod (18).

4. A railway wagon according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The channel (17) is arranged below the bearing part (5).

5. The railway wagon according to claim 1, further comprising a beam assembly (8) configured to be movable out of and back into the railway wagon while supporting the front portion (1a) of the load-bearing portion (5).

6. The railway freight car according to claim 5, wherein: The beam assembly (8) comprises legs (10) arranged at outer ends of the beam assembly (8) and configured to be supported against the ground (G).

7. The railway freight car according to claim 6, wherein: The beam assembly (8) includes an actuator (9) configured to lower and raise the legs (10).

8. The railway freight car according to claim 7, wherein: The actuator (9) is arranged parallel to the main extension of the beam assembly (8).

9. A railway freight car according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The leg (10) has a foot (11) at its free end, the foot (11) being configured to abut the ground (G), and wherein the leg (10) comprises a sensing device (22-26) configured to provide a secure abutment of the foot (11) on the ground (G).

10. The railway freight car according to claim 7, wherein: The actuator (9) is connected to the leg (10) at a first pivot (12) at a first end of the leg (10).

11. The railway freight car of claim 9, wherein: The foot (11) is connected to the leg (10) at a second pivot (13) at a second end of the leg (10).

12. The railway freight car of claim 10, wherein: The first end of the leg (10) is placed at a sliding member (8A) which is movable along a track (8B) mounted parallel to the beam assembly (8).

13. A railway freight car according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: A connecting rod (14) is connected between the outer end of the beam assembly (8) and the leg (10), and wherein the connecting rod (14) is connected to the leg (10) at a point a distance from the first end and the second end of the leg (10).

14. The railway freight car of claim 13, wherein: The link (14) is connected to the beam assembly (8) at a third pivot (15) and to the leg (10) at a fourth pivot (16).

15. The railway wagon according to claim 1, further comprising means for lowering and raising the front portion (1a) of the load-bearing portion (5).

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